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Simple Tips On How To Take Photos Under Water

by Alix Martinez | 9 Comments

Simple Tips On How To Take Photos Under Water

I have always been fascinated by water, ripples and reflections. Because I am a children’s photographer, I thought ‘hey, what if I mix the two together and create fine art!’ I was continually searching for new and creative ways to showcase children, especially for the walls of your home. So… a win-win!

Three years ago I played around with a Fuji underwater camera to see if I would even enjoy being underwater and shooting. Surprisingly, I found it challenging to remain underwater in addition to giving directions while coming up for air, and wow, what a work out!

At first, I found the little camera’s focus a bit too slow, and the images were not sharp enough for the large photos I dreamed of. I did however fall in love with being in the water and photographing small subjects. Soon I decided it was time to take it to the next level. I researched the camera housings, as I needed it to be easy and secure. I was housing my Canon Mark II at the time and I was nervous. However, once the ikelite and dome for the lens arrived, and I made a test in the bathtub, I was excited and ready. Now, I just needed to find a pool and some children.

I took the very large and heavy housing and camera to a pool play-date at a friend’s home, with six children, all ready to swim and have fun. The water was cold, but the excitement warmed me up! I instructed the children to just swim around and to pretend I was not there. They were fast swimmers and with my camera in tow, keeping up with them was challenging. I made sure that my camera settings were correct and began to shoot away. After thirty seconds underwater, I would come up for air and tell them to do something underwater. Then, holding my breath, I would go back under. In no time, I was up to a minute. I am hoping for two minutes this summer!

I prefer to shoot on manual in the water, but some people have better luck with shutter speed priority. I like to keep the camera at a very high shutter speed, and also the Al servo selected as it can be tricky focusing underwater, especially when the sun is shining for back lighting. Below is the first image I shot. I found the color to be tricky initially so I opted for black and white instead.

I think most children are generally quite happy in the water and willing to do just about anything you ask: swim across the pool, swim down to the bottom, jump in, wear a costume, or even their clothes!

Tips for underwater photography:

Buy a disposable camera, iphone underwater housing or a small underwater camera to try out before you invest in an expensive underwater housing. There are a few rental places on the east and west coasts where you can find camera housings (SPLASH or IKELITE) to rent.

Alix Martinez is best known for her children's commerical/fashion work, and underwater photography. Alix’s work has been published in many magazines, books and featured blogs. A former digital imaging specialist for Maire Claire has helped her perfect her craft. She loves capturing the little moments in life and printing large prints. Alix currently resides in Darien, CT with her three children, husband and new puppy! Visit Alix Martinez online.

Your images are amazing! I love this article and it prompted me actually to buy the beach & underwater BO by Liz. I now have a case for my phone and if I like how that is, I’ll likely get myself a good p&s with underwater housing. Unfortunately, my camera model doesn’t have underwater housing available anymore 🙁

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